# Mount Kinabalu Training Centre Faces Calls to Halt Work

> Indigenous groups demand pause on Mount Kinabalu training centre construction over environmental and cultural concerns.
- Title: Mount Kinabalu Training Centre Faces Calls to Halt Work
- Summary: Indigenous groups demand pause on Mount Kinabalu training centre construction over environmental and cultural concerns. Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu training…
- Keywords: mount kinabalu, kinabalu park, indigenous communities, sabah, tourism, environmental concerns, customary law, unep, united nations, news, world, Mount
- Source: Malay Mail — https://malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2026/11/03/mount-kinabalu-training-centre-faces-calls-to-halt-work-over-indigenous-environmental-concerns/241849
- Author: Julia Chan
- Published: 2026-11-03T17:29:37+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mount kinabalu, kinabalu park, indigenous communities, sabah, tourism, environmental concerns, customary law, unep, united nations, news, world
## Construction under scrutiny
Mount Kinabalu training centre faces calls to halt work over indigenous and environmental concerns.
## Social media controversy
Photographs of structures and drilling near Sayat-Sayat circulated on social media, prompting calls for transparency.
## Indigenous criticism
Kundasang Tourism and Culture Association chairman called for investigation into project's location and approvals.
## Customary concerns
Bundu Tuhan Village Heritage head questioned community consultation, citing drilling against customary beliefs.
## Minister's response
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister said project was proposed in 2015 but deferred after earthquake, revived in 2025.
## Project purpose
Centre provides altitude acclimatisation and technical training for mountaineers targeting Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua and Everest.
## Environmental safeguards
Construction uses lightweight materials to minimize environmental disturbance and avoids heavy machinery.
## DIO demands halt
Dayak International Organisation calls for immediate stop to construction, drilling and installation work.
## UNDRIP concerns
DIO claims project violates indigenous customary law protected under UNDRIP and requires community consent.
## Cultural significance
Mount Kinabalu holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for indigenous communities, including sacred rituals.
## Key takeaway

Malaysia's Mount Kinabalu training centre faces halting due to indigenous land rights and environmental concerns.